Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between early and open registration?

  • Early Registration- Is the time when all currently registered and declared Communication studies MAJORS can register for two (2) Communication Studies courses. During this time you will also register for all other courses outside of the major.
  • Open Registration- Is when "D" codes are removed from courses and all students may register for those courses IF they meet the prerequisite coursework.

 

What are "working days" during registration?

  • Working days are the 3 days following early registration when the two course limit is lifted and Communication Studies MAJORS may add another Communication Studies course.

 

Why is there a two course limit?

  • There are close to 1, 000 Communication Studies MAJORS at the University of Iowa. In order to graduate in the 4 semester timeline each student must take at least 2 courses a term. By having a limit on courses each student has an opportunity to get at least the 2 courses they need.

 

Why doesn't Communication Studies keep waiting lists?

  • Again with 1,000 students there is no fair way to keep waiting lists.
  • Example: If one student emails the professor, one walks into the main office, another student calls, and someone else emails. whose name should go first??

 

Is there a way to check which courses will transfer from another school?

  • YES!!! If you go onto ISIS under the Courses Section. there is a tab on the bottom right hand side that states Transfer Courses Click Here. Follow this link and choose institution search the University of Iowa has already reviewed millions of courses from most colleges nationwide and listed how each course will transfer into the University for you.

 

The one course I was planning to take is already full. What can I do?

  • Keep checking ISIS. our courses open on a progressive basis throughout the registration period until they reach the maximum allotment. There are rules governing each courses maximum seats which is pre-determined if the course is full keep checking ISIS.

 

My GPA is below a 2.6 what are my options?

  • Take alternative courses to raise your GPA
  • Retake courses you may have failed or received a D
  • You have the opportunity for a one-time only appeal. We suggest only using the appeal option if you are one term away from graduation and feel you will be able to raise your GPA to meet the standards. If you appeal and are denied you may not appeal again. If your appeal is granted and you do not raise you GPA you will not get another appeal.
  • Looking into alternative majors with your Academic Counselor.

 

I currently have a 2.59 but I know my grades will go up this term can I still register for courses?

  • No. you must wait until grades post and your GPA has gone up to add a course IF one is still available.

 

How many credits can I take each term?

  • The maximum number of credits each term is 18 unless you request an overload. In order to stay on track to graduate in four years you must average 15 semester hours each term (fall/spring).

 

I registered for a course and was administratively dropped WHY??

  • You will be administratively dropped from Communication Studies courses if you do not meet the 2.6 GPA standard and/or have not take the pre-requisite courses.
  • An email will also be sent to your University of Iowa account informing you of the drop and the reason you were removed from the course.

 

We are told Communication Studies courses numbered 75+ count as upper level , but on my degree evaluation it states 80+ - will I still graduate?

  • YES 75+ is upper level. You must come in to see the Academic Counselor so a request can be processed.
  • You should see that change on your degree evaluations within a week of the request.

 

What do I need to graduate with Honors?

  • You will graduate honorably (small h) with distinction cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude and that depends on your GPA.
  • To graduate with Honors (capital H) you must complete the requirements of the Honors Program and the Departmental Honors requirements which are that you complete a thesis in the Dept and the Honors Workshop.

 

How do I apply to graduate?

  • You apply on ISIS under Student Records- Degree Application - the deadline for each semester is always listed on the Offical University Calendar.

 

Can I walk in the Commencement ceremony even if I am not graduating until next term?

  • Yes, if you have 3 credits or less to complete. There is a form that you must fill out that can be obtained by going to 1 Jessup Hall.